The Pollening!

I know I said "Victory Lap" was going to happen on my Gretchen block quilt top center yesterday -

But it didn't.

Because I dug right into finishing up laundry and doing retreat things that needed to be done before today's arrival of the April Quiltvillians. In March. Because Easter has commandeered their usual weekend.

SHIFT HAPPENS!

And that's pretty much what was happening yesterday.  Not to mention the pollening that is killing my eyeballs this season.

I've longed for spring for so long!

But be careful what you wish for - because with spring comes pollen. Ahhhhh!

This is the lilac hedge in front of my parking spot on the mountain.  Look! We have LEAVES!

No leaves on trees yet, but it just feels different somehow, even if it is chilly.

I took this photo before sitting down at the computer this morning just to give you an idea of how peaceful it is up here.

Next thing on my list?  Bring back the hummingbirds!

I had comments asking to see the neutrals I purchased on my Monday out and about day - Just 3 half-yard cuts.

I love the colorful butterflies - so cute!  And square random dots - always a winner.

Little stars on cream - but what's the big idea with this huge wide black band of selvage?  

Anyone else think this is overkill and just what would you do with this if you are not a maker who sews with selvages?

My plan is to cut it off now and put it in with the strings. I think its wide enough, but I still feel like it encroached on the useable amount of fabric I could get from the "MAIN" event I purchased this fabric in the first place.

Dear fabric companies - please stop this!

Through my front blinds at the studio cutting table -

It's BIG ITEM pick up month.  That means that all big discards that are too large for weekly pickup are placed at the curb for the big trucks to come get.

And that also means that folks will go around salvaging things that are still useful.

For the last few years we've had this guy come by and take anything metal that he can take to the recyclers for a bit of cash.  He is welcome to it! Anything that helps him, and helps us I am glad for it.

We are allowed a dozen items at the curb.  So as soon as someone takes a few things, we can add a few more.

So what am I doing with the borders for the Gretchen blocks?

Here is my start! I've still got so many small saved pieces to use and I'm loving the paper piecing as a way to sew them into something fun without having to rotary cut each piece down to a specific size to use them.

Sew first, trim second!

The only thing I care is that the piece is bigger than where it is going to finish.

And this will also take a while because I'm going to need MANY of these to frame the quilt center.

But it's not a race, right?

Hazel sure doesn't think so!

And at this point I'll do anything to keep my mind off of wars, and gas prices and TSA issues at airports with long lines and untrained ice agents walking around with guns.

I purchased my tickets to fly to Idaho to see my mom at the end of April/Early May and I'm dreading this.

I don't think there are enough hexies in the world to get me through this kind of anxiety right now.

At this rate I'll probably make enough border units to make an entire second quilt out of them because this girl has ideas, and fabric, and needs a focus.

This is my reality. And before anyone - and I mean ANYONE- comments "I come here for your quilting content so don't talk about this stuff." This my my blog. My journal. My home. I discuss everything here, and sometimes that means my feelings on current events that are affecting my life.

Our feelings and view of what is happening may differ but you are a visitor here.  You are welcome to follow, scroll on by posts that don't interest you, or unfollow me.

But you can't dictate what I get to write here, and what I don't. Thank you.

And if you haven't yet, please pop over to the Gift-Away post and get your entry in!

I'll be drawing for 2 winners who will each receive a Brookgreen PDF pattern from me and:

A Caramel roll from  Cotton to Quilts!

We'll draw for our winners on Saturday, 3/28/26.

Introductory Pricing:  The PDF pattern for Brookgreen is currently 25% off in the Quiltville Store, no coupon needed!  Price good through 3/31/26.

Simple shapes and easy piecing create a stunning repeat of pattern and secondary designs, inspired by photo taken of vintage tile floors white traveling. 

Full color photos, Optional piecing methods, and directions to press for success!

I can't wait to see what you do with your own version, be it in these colors, or perhaps a color theme of your own choosing!

Brookgreen finishes at 80'' X 80'' but is easily customized by making fewer blocks for a smaller quilt, or more blocks for a bigger one.

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Today I will spend time doing something that feeds my soul and puts things right in my world!

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This is the vintage quilt that encouraged my need to sew with more yellow and inspired my Rocky Road to Grayson quilt!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone -